Korission Lagoon

The Korission Lagoon on the west coast of Corfu is also called Lake Korission and has abundant wildlife, especially birds, and one of the best beaches on Corfu.

The Korission Lagoon on Corfu in GreeceKorission Lagoon
Photo by Andriana Karbouni

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

The Venetians were great ones for utilising their natural resources, and in addition to covering Corfu with olive trees they also built this body of water to create a wonderful freshwater lagoon that is 5 km (3.1 miles) long and up to 1 km (0.6 miles) wide.

Today the miles of golden beach between the lagoon and the sea are a sun worshipper’s dream, protected from man's encroachment by the very existence of the lake and the nature reserve that surrounds it.

Lake or Lagoon?

The Korission Lagoon is also just as often referred to as Lake Korission. So is it a lake or a lagoon? Well, technically it is a lagoon as there is a small channel of water joining it with the Ionian Sea. 

Where is the Korission Lagoon?

Google map showing location of the Korission Lagoon on CorfuMap (c) Google Maps

The Creation of the Lagoon

The Venetians turned the marshland here into a lagoon by building a channel from the sea and allowing the waters to flood in. Gradually the salt water gave way to fresh water and the lagoon, 607 hectares (1,500 acres) in size, is one of the best places on the island for enjoying wildlife. This can, incidentally, include mosquitoes so take protection.

Top Tip

The best time to visit is not at the height of summer but in spring and autumn when migrating birds swell the numbers here. In winter too, many species arrive to enjoy the mild weather.

The Lagoon’s Bird Life

Among the rather more interesting wildlife are over 120 bird species that have been recorded here. You're almost certain to see egrets and herons, and the numerous wading birds include greenshanks, sandpipers, stilts, dunlin, curlew, and the graceful avocet with its gently upturned bill built for sifting through the sand and water. In winter the ducks arrive, with numerous mallards, teal, shelducks and others enjoying the abundant food supplies here.

Top Tip

'Let the wildlife come to you' is the naturalist's motto, so if you want to see some of the animals and birds that live here, find a secluded spot and stay there quietly, till something comes along.

Don't miss our page on Birdwatching in Greece

Flora and Fauna

There are tortoises, turtles, and lizards here too, and a rich selection for the botanist. These obviously include plants who love the sandy terrain, with various species of grasses and orchids too, such as the Jersey orchid that emerges in the spring. In late summer and early autumn the white sea daffodils come into flower, providing a real delight for the eye.

Sand dunes at the Korission Lagoon on CorfuSand Dunes at the Korission Lagoon
Photo by Z Thomas

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

Best Beach on Corfu?

Many visitors, however, only have eyes for the sand and the sea. For them this is one of the best beaches on the island, because of its length and the fact that it is not built up. It can get very busy indeed at either end, but there is usually plenty of privacy to be had too if you simply keep on walking. The Korission Lagoon is truly one of Corfu's great joys.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

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